K9 Heroes 4 Heroes

K9 Heroes 4 Heroes provides a comprehensive service dog program that includes dog selection, professional training, initial veterinary care, handler training, and ongoing maintenance support. The program is tailored exclusively for Veterans and First Responders with qualifying needs. Dogs are trained for specific tasks to assist with physical, psychological, or emotional disabilities.

Pricing Summary

All service dogs are provided at no cost to eligible Veterans and First Responders. Funding is supported through donations and sponsorships.

K9 Heroes 4 Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides fully trained service dogs at no cost to Veterans and First Responders. They partner with Ridgeside K9 Ashtabula to source and train dogs, and they include handler training, initial veterinary care, and ongoing maintenance training as part of their program. Their mission centers on “Heeling is Healing,” emphasizing the emotional and psychological support service dogs provide. While they do not offer general dog training services to the public, their training methods are grounded in professional, behavior-based techniques focused on service dog tasks. The organization’s founders and team members have personal experience with service dogs, including Loki and Fiona, who are active ambassadors and demonstrate the effectiveness of their training approach.

The team includes certified trainers and military veterans who bring deep expertise in canine behavior and service dog deployment. They focus exclusively on service dog placement for eligible recipients and do not provide training for pet dogs or general obedience to the public.

Their services are not available to the general public seeking dog training for personal pets, but their work sets a high standard for service dog training protocols used in nonprofit programs.

Accomplishments

Founded by Joe Gionti, a former Virginia Military Institute graduate and certified trainer, with support from military veterans on the board. The organization has successfully placed service dogs with Veterans and First Responders, supported by ambassadors Loki and Fiona, who are trained service dogs with documented impact.

How to Get Started!

Eligible Veterans and First Responders must complete a Service Dog Application via the organization’s website. Applications are reviewed to determine suitability for the program. Accepted applicants are matched with a trained service dog and undergo handler training.